[Interview] Yoo Deok-yeol, Mayor of Dongdaemun-gu, "Proud of PC Bang Confirmed Case Response as a National Model"

All 934 PC Bang Users Receive Notification Texts and Phone Calls to Undergo Testing

[Asia Economy Reporter Jong-il Park] "Confirmed cases using the PC bang in Hwikyung-dong have occurred consecutively since March 10. To prevent further infections, we mobilized all administrative resources to conduct a thorough investigation."

Yoo Deok-yeol, mayor of Dongdaemun-gu, explained in an interview how they responded to the cluster infection that occurred at a large PC bang. Thanks to the prompt thorough investigation and quarantine measures, no additional confirmed cases have been reported from April 7 to the present (as of the 6th). At that time, Dongdaemun-gu, with the cooperation of mobile carriers, tracked GPS data and identified 24,641 people who stayed near the PC bang for more than 30 minutes, sending them text messages. Mayor Yoo stated, "To test many users as quickly as possible, we set up a screening clinic in the district office plaza and focused on testing about 500 PC bang users."

Since early February, Dongdaemun-gu has been conducting intensive quarantine measures by mobilizing all available personnel. Especially after confirmed cases appeared, immediate disinfection was carried out along the confirmed patients' routes and residences to prevent further transmission. From mid-March, as the number of overseas self-quarantine cases increased, management of self-quarantined individuals has also been intensified. About 200 Dongdaemun-gu office employees are monitoring self-quarantined individuals one-on-one, checking symptoms and any violations.

The district is also promoting various measures to revive the economy, which has been stagnant due to COVID-19. A 'COVID-19 Integrated Psychological Support Team' consisting of 10 staff members from Dongdaemun-gu Public Health Center and Dongdaemun-gu Mental Health Welfare Center operates to provide mental health counseling and screen high-risk groups. Additionally, economic support is actively provided for small business owners and self-employed individuals.

Mayor Yoo explained, "For small business owners and franchise operators who suffered losses due to quarantine measures and business closures, we provide up to 1.95 million KRW per business for rent and labor costs incurred during the closure period." Furthermore, among 51 locations operating by leasing Dongdaemun-gu public properties, rent is reduced by 50% for six months for small business owners. Mayor Yoo said, "I hope these various support measures help residents' lives and lead to increased income for local small business owners, contributing to the revitalization of the local economy."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.